ABC and JPMA Will Not Merge But Enter New Era of Collaboration and Support

All Baby and Child Corporation, (ABC), creators of the ABC Kids Expo, and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), the leading industry trade association dedicated to the safe selection and use of juvenile products, announced today that the two non-profit trade organizations will remain independent and will not merge. However, the organizations also announced that they will continue their collaborative relationship which has strengthened over the past two years. As part of this evolving and positive relationship, the two organizations will continue to evaluate the ever changing needs of the juvenile industry and how to best support all industry stakeholders.

ABC remains committed to ongoing funding of key industry strategic initiatives at least through March 2015, including the enhancement of more frequent communications to all industry stakeholders to increase consumer confidence in the juvenile products industry. Furthermore, according to Larry Schur, President of ABC, “ABC is working with JPMA to evaluate ongoing funding support for our industry’s important strategic objectives beyond March 2015 which includes establishing the industry trade show as the preeminent worldwide event for the juvenile products industry.”

According to Michael Dwyer, CAE, Executive Director of JPMA, “We are in the second year of a three year agreement with ABC, collaborating together to determine key industry initiatives and how to move forward with funding the agreed upon strategic industry programs after the expiration of that agreement. Both JPMA and ABC have always believed that finances should be transparent and profits from the ABC Show should be earmarked for the good of the industry.”

Since discussions began in early 2012, the formation of a vibrant specialty retail trade group, Brixy^®, was launched and continues to be funded by ABC. Additionally, JPMA achieved an important industry goal by establishing an office in Washington, D.C. to increase the effectiveness of advocacy efforts at federal and state levels in the best interests of manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Additional ongoing initiatives included in the funding agreement include increasing the scope and effectiveness of safety standards, the JPMA Certification Program, and the value of membership with JPMA.

JPMA and ABC have had a collaborative relationship for many years and will continue to work hand-in-hand on a number of different industry matters. While the merger discussions will not continue, the ongoing evolution of the working relationship will remain in order to best support the manufacturer and retail communities.